Nfl: Let's Go To The Tapes In Coin-flip Debacle

November 28, 1998|By Mike Freeman, New York Times.

The NFL announced Friday it would review one of the most bizarre incidents in pro football history, a coin flip apparently botched by game officials that led to the Lions' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-16 in overtime Thursday in Detroit.

An NFL spokesman said the league was examining tapes of what happened before the overtime.

Any review by the NFL would almost certainly include listening to tapes of the coin toss before overtime, an audio replay of sorts.

Pittsburgh had a 13-3 halftime lead, but the Lions tied the score 16-16 late in the game, and that is where it stood at the end of regulation.

Steelers co-captains Jerome Bettis and Carnell Lake lined up for the coin toss and referee Phil Luckett asked who would make the call. Bettis said he would. As the coin was flipped Bettis distinctly said, "Tails."

That is what came up, but Luckett turned to the Lions' captains and then, stunning the Steelers, asked the Detroit players if they wished to kick off or receive. Even the Lions players appeared shocked; nevertheless, they elected to receive. They moved downfield and won the game on a 42-yard field goal by Jason Hanson.